Insulated glass windows are essential for energy efficiency, with an R-value of 2 or higher. Double glazed windows are most common, with argon or krypton gas between panes offering extra protection. Other benefits include noise reduction and dust/pollen protection. Cheaper alternatives include plastic window coverings and heavy curtains.
Insulated glass windows have something other than a single pane of glass separating one side of the window from the other. They are considered essential in any serious effort to make a home or building as energy efficient as possible. There are several strategies used for insulating glass to make it as effective as possible.
The first thing you should ask yourself when looking at insulating glass is the R value. This value shows how prone the window is to losing heat. A window with an R value of 1 is considered very inefficient. Most insulating glass units have an R-value of 2 or higher.
However, R-value isn’t the only part of the puzzle to keep in mind. In fact, while an R value of 3 may be a sign of a very efficient window, it might not make much sense in many environments to find a window rated that high. Reaching that number can be very costly, and the costs may never be realized in potential energy savings. Therefore, this could make some insulating glass windows a bad investment.
In addition to energy savings and comfortable temperatures, insulating glass also offers a number of other benefits. For example, thick insulating glass reduces the amount of noise from outside. Secondly, the units are better protections against dust and pollen.
The most common types of double glazing are those with multiple glasses. Most insulating glass units are double glazed units, although some are triple glazed. Again, double glazed windows are likely to be the choice of most people in most environments.
Most multi-pane insulated glass windows have little between that glass but air. However, choosing windows with argon or krypton gas between the panes can offer another level of protection. These gases help reduce the convection currents between the panes and therefore slow down any transfer of air between the interior and exterior. Both of these gases are non-toxic, so there’s no need to worry if a window breaks. Some insulating glass can also be coated with a special coating that helps reflect the sun’s rays in the summer months.
For those who can’t afford to buy insulating glass, there are other options as well. Choosing a plastic window covering during the winter months will help prevent cold air from getting in so quickly and will act much like insulating glass. Additionally, using heavier curtains can greatly reduce drafts created by inefficient windows.
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